Kawhi Leonard scratched late for Timberwolves-Raptors with swelling in left knee

The Toronto Raptors have ruled out Kawhi Leonard for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to swelling in his left knee .

The Raptors announced Leonard as a late scratch in the hour before the scheduled tip. They didn't provide further details about his injury beyond noting the swelling in his knee.

Irritation in his left knee prompted the Clippers to send Leonard home from a road trip in January when he played for Los Angeles last season. He was able to return to the Clippers lineup after missing three games.

The swelling is not in the same knee that required reconstructive surgery. Leonard has previously sustained tears to the ACL and meniscus in his right knee, causing him to miss significant time.

The Raptors and their fans are certainly hoping Leonard's knee swelling doesn't linger and that he's able to return to the lineup soon.

Leonard rejoined the Raptors via trade this offseason, eight seasons removed from leading the franchise to its first and only NBA championship. If healthy, he and All-Star Scottie Barnes form one of the NBA's best two-way tandems on the wing and the anchor of what Toronto hopes is a championship contender.

The Raptors got off to a 2-0 start in Leonard's first games back with wins over the Bulls and Wizards. Leonard averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals in those two games, but struggled with his shot while shooting 12 of 37 (32.4%) from the field.

After playing the Timberwolves, the Raptors have back-to-back games against the Magic this week before facing the Lakers on Sunday.